BUSINESS RESEARCH

METHODS

Unit 2: Research Process

St. Xavier’s College

UNIT 2
❑ Research Process: An Overview;
❑ Problem Identification and Definition;
❑ Selection of Basic Research Methods -
❑ Field Study
❑ Survey Method
❑ Observational Method
❑ Existing Data Based Research
3

RESEARCH PROCESS:
AN OVERVIEW
 Research Process
4

◻ Research Process 🡪similar to research journey.

◻ Two important decisions to make:
the first is to decide what we want to find out about or, in other
words, what research questions we want to find answers to, i.e
identification of our research problems
The second is to decide how to go about finding answers to the
research questions, i.e., the path to finding answers, constituting
the research methodology There are various practical steps 🡪 to
find the answers to our research questions.
◻ The sequence of these steps is not fixed (with experience and
learning, can be changed)
◻ At each operational step in the research process, we are required to
choose the best from a multiplicity of methods, procedures and
models of research methodology
The Research Process:
Characteristics and Requirements
◻ Research is a process for collecting, analysing and interpreting
information to answer research questions.
◻ To qualify as research, the process must have certain
characteristics: it must, as far as possible, be
controlled,
rigorous,
systematic,
valid & verifiable,
empirical and
critical.
 The Research Process:
Characteristics and Requirements

CONTROLLED – In real life there are many factors that affect an outcome.
Most outcomes are a sequel to the interplay of a multiplicity of
relationships and interacting factors.
◻ In a study of cause-and-effect relationships it is important to be able to link
the effect(s) with the cause(s) and vice versa.
In the social sciences extremely difficult – and often impossible – to make the
link.
❑ In exploring causality in relation to two variables, 🡪 set up your study in
🡪 that minimises the effects of other factors affecting the relationship.
(e.g. In physical sciences and other researches done in a laboratory)
◻ In the social sciences it is extremely difficult as research is carried out on
issues relating to human beings living in society, where such controls are
impossible. Therefore, in the social sciences, as you cannot control
external factors, you attempt to control their impact.
The Research Process:
Characteristics and Requirements

RIGOROUS – We must be scrupulous in ensuring that the

procedures followed to find answers to questions are relevant,
appropriate and justified.
Again, the degree of rigour varies markedly between the physical
and the social sciences and within the social sciences.
SYSTEMATIC – This implies that the procedures adopted to
undertake an investigation follow a certain logical sequence. The
different steps cannot be taken in a haphazard way. Some
procedures must follow others.
The Research Process:
Characteristics and Requirements

VALID AND VERIFIABLE – This concept implies that

whatever we conclude on the basis of our findings is correct and
can be verified.
EMPIRICAL – This means that any conclusions drawn are
based upon hard evidence gathered from information collected
from real-life experiences or observations.
CRITICAL – Critical scrutiny of the procedures used and the
methods employed is crucial to a research enquiry. The process of
investigation must be fullproof and free from any drawbacks. The
process adopted and the procedures used must be able to
withstand critical scrutiny.
9

PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION
AND DEFINITION
 Research Question 🡪 Research
Proposal
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Clarifying the Research Question

Discover the Management Dilemma

Define the Management Question

Define the Research Question(s) Exploration

Exploration

Refine the Research Question(s)

Research Proposal
 Research Process: An Eight-Step Model
PHASE I II III
Main Task Deciding Planning Undertaking
WHAT HOW CONDUCTING

(Research (to gather evidence to (The required

Question to answer the research information)
answer? questions)
Operational 1.Formulating 2. Conceptualising a 6. Collecting
steps/ a Research Research Design Data
Research Problem 3. Constructing an 7. Processing
Journey Instrument for Data Data
Collection 8. Writing a
4. Selecting a Sample Research
5. Writing a Research Report
11 Proposal
 The Research Journey
Consideration and Research Design: Methods and Sampling theory Methods of Data Principles of
Steps in Functions tools of Data and designs processing scientific writing
formulating a collection Use of Software
research Problem and tools of
statistics

Literature
Review

1.Formulating 3. Constructing
2.Conceptualizing 5. Writing a 8. Writing a
a Research an instrument 4.Selecting 6. Collecting 7. Processing
a research design Research Research
problem for data a Sample Data Data
Proposal Report
collection

Field Test of
the Research Editing of
the data Coding
Tool

Variables and Study Design Validity and

Contents of
hypotheses: Reliability of the Developing a
the Research
Definition and Research Tool Code Book
Proposal
typology

Deciding What Planning How Conducting the Study

Operational Required theoretical Required intermediary

Steps knowledge knowledge
12
 Research Process:
Literature Review as requirement in most steps
13

◻ Literature review has the following functions:

1. It provides a theoretical background to your study.
2. It helps you establish the links between what you are proposing to examine and what
has already been studied.
3. It enables you to show how your findings have contributed to the existing body of
knowledge in your profession. It helps you to integrate your research findings into the
existing body of knowledge.
◻ The literature review can help in four ways:
1. bring clarity and focus to your research problem;
2. improve your research methodology;
3. broaden your knowledge base in your research area; and
4. contextualize your findings.
◻ There are four steps involved in conducting a literature review:
1. Searching for the existing literature in your area of study (books, journals, internet)
2. Reviewing the selected literature.
3. Developing a theoretical framework.
4. Developing a conceptual framework.
 Reviewing the Literature
14

While going through the literature you should carefully and critically examine
it with respect to the following aspects:
◻ Note whether the knowledge relevant to your theoretical framework has
been confirmed beyond doubt.
◻ Note the theories put forward, the criticisms of these and their basis, the
methodologies adopted (study design, sample size and its characteristics,
measurement procedures, etc.) and the criticisms of them.
◻ Examine to what extent the findings can be generalized to other situations.
◻ Notice where there are significant differences of opinion among researchers
and give your opinion about the validity of these differences.
◻ Ascertain the areas in which little or nothing is known – the gaps that exist
in the body of knowledge.
 Research Process: An Eight-Step Model
Step 1- Formulating a Research Problem
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◻ First and most important step in the research process

◻ Provide information about what we intend to research
◻ The more specific and clearer, the formulation of the research problem
🡪 the better will be the outcome (influenced by this way of formulation)
◻ Formulating a research problem thoroughly, carefully and critically
🡪 decide what we want to find out about. examine it.
◻ Evaluate the research problem in the light of
🡪 the financial resources at our disposal,
🡪 the time available, and
🡪 our expertise and knowledge in the field of study.
 Research Process: An Eight-Step Model
Step 2- Conceptualising a Research Design
16

◻ Use of appropriate methods🡪 Research involves

systematic, controlled, valid and rigorous exploration and description of what is not
known and
establishment of associations and causation that permit the accurate prediction of
outcomes under a given set of conditions.
◻ Involves a) identifying gaps in knowledge, b) verification of what is already known
and c) identification of past errors and limitations.
◻ The strength of what you find largely rests on how it was found.
◻ Research Design includes: a) the study design, b) the logistical arrangements that
you propose to undertake, c)the measurement procedures, d) the sampling
strategy, e) the time frame.
◻ The selection of an appropriate research design is crucial in enabling you to arrive
at valid findings, comparisons and conclusions. (A faulty design results in misleading
findings wasting human and financial resources).
◻ When selecting a research design it is important to ensure that it is valid, workable
and manageable
 Research Process: An Eight-Step Model
Step 3- Constructing an Instrument for Data
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Collection
◻ Anything that becomes a means of collecting information for your study is called a
‘research tool’ or a ‘research instrument’, (e.g. observation forms, interview schedules,
questionnaires and interview guides);
◻ The construction of a research instrument is the first ‘practical’ step;
◻ How to collect data for the proposed study 🡪 then construct a research instrument for data
collection.
◻ If we plan to collect data specifically for your study (primary data),
🡪 either to construct a research instrument or
🡪 to select one that has already been constructed.
◻ If we plan to use secondary data (information already collected for other purposes),
🡪 need to identify what information is needed and
🡪 then develop a form to extract the required data.
◻ Field testing (or pre-testing) a research tool is an integral part of instrument construction.
🡪 As a rule of thumb, the pre-test of a research instrument should not be carried out on the sample of
our study population but on a similar population which we are not proposing to study.
◻ If need to use a software for data analysis 🡪 provide space for coding the data
 Research Process: An Eight-Step Model
Step 4- Selecting a Sample
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◻ The accuracy of our research findings🡪 depends upon way of selecting sample.
◻ The basic objective of any sampling design is to minimise the gap between the
values obtained from your sample and those prevalent in the study
population (within the limitation of cost).
◻ When selecting a sample 🡪 to achieve two key aims –
a) the avoidance of bias in the selection of a sample; and
b) the attainment of maximum precision for a given outlay of resources.
◻ There are three categories of sampling design:
a) random/probability sampling designs,
b) non-random/non-probability sampling designs and
c)‘mixed’ sampling design.
◻ Type of sampling strategy 🡪 influence our ability to make generalisations from
the sample findings about the study population, and the type of statistical tests
we can apply to the data.
 Research Process: An Eight-Step Model
Step 5- Writing a Research Proposal
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◻ A research proposal is an overall plan that provides detailed information about

our research problem and how we are planning to investigate.
◻ The main function of a research proposal 🡪 to detail the operational plan for
obtaining answers to our research questions.
◻ It ensures – and reassures the readers of – the validity of the methodology to
obtain answers accurately and objectively.
◻ A research proposal must provide the following information about our study:
1. What we are proposing to do 2. How we plan to proceed 3. Why we selected the proposed strategy
◻ Thus, a research proposal should have the following information about a study
1. A statement of the 4. The setting for your study; 7. Information on data processing
objectives of the study; 5. The research instrument(s) procedures;
2. A list of hypotheses; that are to be used; 8. An outline of the proposed chapters
3. The study design you 6. Information on sample size for the report;
are proposing to use; and sampling design; 9. The study’s problems and
limitations;
10. The proposed time-frame
 Research Process: An Eight-Step Model
Step 6- Collecting Data
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◻ 1) Having formulated a research problem, 2) developed a study design, 3)

constructed a research instrument and 4) selected a sample,
🡪 We then collect the data from which we will draw inferences and
conclusions for our study.
◻ Many methods could be used to gather the required information.
◻ As a part of the research design, we have already decided upon the procedure
we wanted to adopt to collect our data.
In this phase we actually collect the data.
For example, depending upon our plans,
we might commence interviews,
mail out a questionnaire,
conduct nominal/focus group discussions or
make observations.
 Research Process: An Eight-Step Model
Step 7- Processing and Displaying data
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◻ The way we analyse the information we collected, largely depends upon two things:
the type of information (descriptive, quantitative, qualitative or attitudinal); and
the way we want to communicate your findings to your readers.
◻ In addition to the qualitative–quantitative distinction, it is important for data analysis
that we decide -
whether the data is to be analysed manually or by a computer.
◻ If our study is purely descriptive, we can write our dissertation/report on the basis of
our field notes, and manually analyse the contents of our notes (content analysis)
◻ If we want quantitative analysis, it is also necessary to decide upon
the type of analysis required (i.e. frequency distribution, cross-tabulations or other
statistical procedures, such as regression analysis, factor analysis and analysis of
variance) and
how it should be presented.
need to identify the variables to be subjected to these statistical procedures.
 Research Process: An Eight-Step Model
Step 8- Writing a Research Report
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◻ There are two broad categories of reports: quantitative and qualitative.

◻ The distinction is more academic than real as in most studies we need to
combine quantitative and qualitative skills. Nevertheless, there are some
solely qualitative and some solely quantitative studies.
◻ Writing the report is the last and, for many, the most difficult step of the
research process.
◻ This report informs the world
what we have done,
what we have discovered and
what conclusions we have drawn from our findings.
◻ The research report should be written
In an academic style and
be divided into different chapters and/or sections based upon the main
themes of the study
23

SELECTION OF BASIC
RESEARCH METHODS:
Methods of data collection
 Methods of data collection
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• Methods of Data Collection
• Primary Method
• Observation
• Participant
• Non-participant

• Interviewing
• Structured

• Unstructured

• Questionnaire
• Mailed Questionnaire

• Collective Questionnaire

• Secondary Method
• Documents
• -Govt. Publications
• -Earlier Research
• -Census
• -Personal records
• -Client histories
• -Service Record
 Collecting data using Primary
sources:
25
OBSERVATION
◻ Observation is a purposeful, systematic and selective way of watching and
listening to an interaction or phenomenon as it takes place. 🡪 when you are more
interested in the behaviour than in the perceptions of individuals
e.g. study the dietary patterns of a population, study the behaviour or personality
traits of an individual
◻ Participant observation: When you, as a researcher, participate in the activities
of the group being observed in the same manner as its members, with or without
their knowing that they are being observed.
e.g. examine the reactions of the general population towards people in
wheelchairs. You can study their reactions by sitting in a wheelchair yourself.
◻ Non-participant observation: When you, as a researcher, do not get involved in
the activities of the group but remain a passive observer, watching and listening
to its activities and drawing conclusions from this.
e.g. Study the functions carried out by nurses in a hospital. As an observer, you
could watch, follow and record the activities as they are performed.
 Collecting data using Primary
sources:
26
INTERVIEWING
◻ Any person-to-person interaction, either face to face or otherwise,
between two or more individuals with a specific purpose in mind is
called an interview.
◻ Unstructured Interviews: complete freedom in terms of content,
structure and sequence of questions. complete freedom for wording
used and way of explaining questions to respondents. Unstructured
interviews are dominantly used in qualitative research.
◻ Structured interviews: In a structured interview the researcher asks a
predetermined set of questions, using the same wording and order of
questions as specified in the interview schedule
◻ Interview Schedule: A written list of questions, open ended or closed,
prepared for use by an interviewer in a person-to-person interaction.
(may be face to face, by telephone or by other electronic media)
 Collecting data using Primary
sources:
27
QUESTIONNAIRE
◻ A questionnaire is a written list of questions, the answers to which are
recorded by respondents. In a questionnaire respondents read the questions,
interpret what is expected and then write down the answers.
◻ Structured Interview schedule: interviewer who asks the questions (&
explains them) records the respondent’s replies.
◻ Questionnaire: replies are recorded by the respondents themselves.
◻ The mailed questionnaire – Send the questionnaire to prospective
respondents by mail. Usually it is a good idea to send a prepaid,
self-addressed envelope with the questionnaire. A mailed questionnaire
must be accompanied by a covering letter.
◻ Collective administration – To obtain a captive audience such as students
in a classroom, people attending a function, participants in a programme or
people assembled in one place. This ensures a very high response rate. This
is quickest way of collecting data, saves money on postage
 Collecting data using
Secondary sources:
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DOCUMENTS
◻ Data have already been collected by someone else
extract the required information for the purpose of your study.
need to be careful about problems with reliability, bias, format and quality of data
Qualitative research 🡪 descriptive (historical and current) & narrative information
◻ Quantitative research 🡪 the information extracted is categorical or numerical.
◻ Government or semi-government publications – Govt. and semi-govt.
organisations collect data on a regular basis & publish it.
e.g. - census, NSS, NFHS, ASI, health reports, economic survey;
◻ Earlier research – For some topics, an enormous number of research studies that
have already been done by others can provide you with the required information.
◻ Personal records – Some people write historical and personal records (e.g. diaries)
that may provide the information you need.
◻ Mass media – Reports published in newspapers, in magazines, on the Internet, and
so on, may be another good source of data.